Swivel lock quick release device

ABSTRACT

The swivel lock quick release device is adapted to selectively attach a user to a sports equipment. The sports equipment may be watersports equipment, such as a surfboard, a kite surfing apparatus, a stand-up paddle board, sailing equipment, a wake board, etc., or land sports equipment, such as fishing, camping, climbing, animal collars or leashes, tactical rifle apparatus, and hunting equipment. The swivel lock quick release device having a pull release and a protrusion, the pull release and the protrusion being adapted to be selectively engaged in a locked position is provided. A slide handle, a portion of the pull release, is adapted to be selectively moved in a coaxial direction by the user to disengage the pull release and the protrusion. The pull release is also adapted to rotate around, or swivel, the protrusion.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to sports equipment tethers, more specifically a swivel lock quick release mechanism for the tether.

2. Description of the Related Art

Typically, watersports can be dangerous because of the lack of quick release options in those dangerous situations. Currently, users who participate in watersports are at a risk when using a tether to keep them attached to their boards because of the common occurrences of the tether becoming tangled with other objects in the body of water. These tethers pose the problem of keeping the user attached even if it is a dangerous situation. For example, turbulent water may be keeping the board submerged and in turn the user attached by the tether also underwater. Additionally, there are some methods for disengaging the tether from the user, but they utilize a pin system or have a larger grip for removing the strap in emergencies. The issue with these methods is the pin is commonly lost once it is pulled and does not swivel. Meaning the user need to purchase more pins as they are left in the bodies of water. Usually, current devices do not promote an interchangeable facet for exchanging, replacing, and swapping of tethers for these devices.

Most tethers also do not offer or operate as a swivel mechanism where the tether and ankle attach. This usually causes issues such as tangling around the board, the user's ankle, and other items in the body of water. Tethers commonly get tangled around the user, the board, natural objects, and miscellaneous articles in the body of water because of their inability to swivel.

Therefore, there is a need to solve the problems described above by providing a device and method for a locking attachment that will quick release without an additional removeable pin from a tether.

The aspects or the problems and the associated solutions presented in this section could be or could have been pursued; they are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches presented in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their presence in this section of the application.

BRIEF INVENTION SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In an aspect, a swivel lock quick release device is provided, the device having a protrusion, locking component, and a pull release adapted to receive the protrusion. The pull release also having a slide handle and a locking component with a spring to allow a user to disengage from the protrusion and reengage without a detachable key, pin, or object. Thus, an advantage is having the spring with an appropriate stiffness to ensure the spring does not accidently release during water activities and would still allow the user's force to disconnect the pull release from the protrusion when necessary. Thus, another advantage is a quick and reliable detachment during dangerous situations.

In another aspect, a swivel lock quick release device having a swivel mechanism allows for the lock and release to freely swivel and does not require removeable parts, key, or pin. The swivel allows for the tether to turn instead of becoming twisted around objects or wound itself. Thus, an advantage is the user not getting tangled up in their tether and the tether does not get coiled around itself. Becoming tangled in a tether or having the tether caught on various objects is dangerous, which is why the rotating aspect of the swivel lock quick release device is important.

In another aspect, a swivel lock quick release device allows for a fully self-contained integrated device that does not require additional parts or removable lock to be utilized. The Invention functions as both a locking apparatus that swivels as well as an easily accessible quick release handle. Thus, it is an integrated locking and releasing system.

The above aspects or examples and advantages, as well as other aspects or examples and advantages, will become apparent from the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes, aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the perspective view of the swivel lock quick release device, according to an aspect.

FIG. 2 illustrates the front perspective view of the swivel lock quick release device attached to an attachable strap, according to an aspect.

FIG. 3A illustrates the cross-sectional perspective view of the swivel lock quick release device in a locked position, according to an aspect.

FIG. 3B illustrates the cross-sectional view of the swivel lock quick release device in a partially locked position, according to an aspect.

FIG. 3C illustrates the cross-sectional view of the swivel lock quick release device in a partially unlocked position, according to an aspect.

FIG. 3D illustrates the cross-sectional view of the swivel lock quick release device in an unlocked position, according to an aspect.

FIG. 4A illustrates the perspective view of the swivel lock quick release device in a locked position, according to an aspect.

FIG. 4B illustrates the cross-sectional view of the swivel lock quick release device in a locked position, according to an aspect.

FIG. 4C illustrates the cross-sectional view of the swivel lock quick release device in a partially unlocked position, according to an aspect.

FIG. 4D illustrates the cross-sectional view of the swivel lock quick release device in an unlocked position, according to an aspect.

FIG. 4E illustrates the cross-sectional view of the swivel lock quick release device in a separated, unlocked position, according to an aspect.

FIG. 5A illustrates the perspective view of the locking component with loads applied in the axial direction, according to an aspect.

FIG. 5B illustrates the cross-sectional view of the locking component with loads applied in the axial direction, according to an aspect.

FIG. 6A illustrates the perspective view of the protrusion with loads applied in the axial direction, according to an aspect.

FIG. 6B illustrates the cross-sectional view of the protrusion with loads applied in the axial direction, according to an aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

What follows is a description of various aspects, embodiments and/or examples in which the invention may be practiced. Reference will be made to the attached drawings, and the information included in the drawings is part of this detailed description. The aspects, embodiments and/or examples described herein are presented for exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes. It should be understood that structural and/or logical modifications could be made by someone of ordinary skills in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents.

It should be understood that, for clarity of the drawings and of the specification, some or all details about some structural components or steps that are known in the art are not shown or described if they are not necessary for the invention to be understood by one of ordinary skills in the art.

For the following description, it can be assumed that most correspondingly labeled elements across the figures (e.g., 105 and 205, etc.) possess the same characteristics and are subject to the same structure and function. If there is a difference between correspondingly labeled elements that is not pointed out, and this difference results in a non-corresponding structure or function of an element for a particular embodiment, example or aspect, then the conflicting description given for that particular embodiment, example or aspect shall govern.

FIG. 1 illustrates the perspective view of the swivel lock quick release device 101, according to an aspect. The swivel lock quick release device 101 is adapted to selectively attach a user to a floatation device (not shown). The floatation device may be watersports equipment, such as a surfboard, a stand-up paddle board, a kite surfing harness, a fishing rod and reel, a wake board, etc. The swivel lock quick release device 101 having a first connector 102 and a second connector 112 is provided. The first connector 102 may be a pull release 102 and the second connector 112 may be a protrusion 112. The pull release 102 and protrusion 112 being adapted to be selectively engaged in a locked position is provided. A slide handle, a portion of the pull release 102, is adapted to be selectively moved in a coaxial direction by the user to disengage the pull release and the protrusion. The pull release 102 is also adapted to rotate around the protrusion 112 allowing the device 101 to swivel. Additionally, the swivel lock quick release device 101 may be attached to a tether 104 and a strap 105, as shown. The tether 104 could be adapted to attach to the floatation device, while the strap 105 would be adapted to attach to the user. This connection between the pull release 102 and a protrusion 112 would allow the user to first lock to the athletic equipment, and then quickly and reliably disengage themselves from their equipment, for example, in dangerous situations. Having a reliable locking tether that swivels and functions with a quick and reliable means to disengage while participating in aquatic and or land athletics, sports, or other activities is critical due to the need to not only be safely fastened to the object but the need to quickly and safely release from the object because of possible scenarios, dangerous or otherwise, a user may encounter, enjoy, or benefit from.

As described herein, sports, aquatic and land activities, can be dangerous because of the lack of quick release options in those dangerous situations. Currently, users who participate in watersports, for example, are at a risk when using a tether to keep them attached to their board, flotation device, or sporting equipment because of the common occurrences of the tether becoming tangled with other objects in the body of water or failure of other equipment involved in the activity. Another typical dangerous scenario is the user and the board going in different directions around large objects at high speeds. Additionally, another common dangerous situation is if the user is held under the water because of turbulence and heavy water in large surf or when the tether attaches to rock, macroalgae, or coral in the body of water. These tethers pose the problem of keeping the user attached even if it is a dangerous situation. For example, turbulent water may be keeping the board submerged and in turn the user attached by the tether also underwater. Furthermore, the swivel lock quick release device 101 may be used for other sports equipment such as surfing, fishing, stand-up paddling, sailing, hunting, animal collars, or kite surfing equipment.

The swivel lock quick release device allows a user to easily disengage themselves from a tether 104, especially during critical situations. The pull release 102 may have a textured surface for the grip 103 to allow the user to have a better grasp when they need to disengage themselves from the tether. The grip 103 may be patterned, in an example, but other means of textured grip may also be applied to the pull release 102. The user may need to disengage themselves from the tether in situations such as the tide pulling the board down, harsh waters, and other dangerous situations that may occur in bodies of water, on land, or for other activities that require a secure locking attachment and an option of quick releasing. Thus, having a pull release 102 that has a textured surface 103 and is large enough to be visible and easily accessible from a 360 degree integrated cylinder gripped handle during high stress or emergency situations is critical.

As shown, the user may wrap the strap 105 around their ankle to have the security of being attached to their board via a tether 104, but the swivel lock quick release device 101 allows the user to disengage when necessary. The swivel lock quick release device 101 has a swivel mechanism 106, which may allow the user to not get tangled with the tether 104. The swivel mechanism 106 will be discussed in more detail when referring to FIG. 3.

Furthermore, the swivel lock quick release device 101 is adapted to selectively attach a user to a sports equipment. The sports equipment may be watersports equipment, such as a surfboard, a stand-up paddle board, a kite surfing harness, sailing safety gear, a wake board, etc., or land sports equipment, such as fishing, technical rifle gear, climbing, camping, and hunting equipment.

FIG. 2 illustrates the perspective view of the swivel lock quick release device 201 attached to an attachable strap 205, according to an aspect. Typically, the strap 205 has a hook and loop fastener 223 to secure around the user, as shown. For example, the hook and loop fastener 223 may be Velcro. Additionally, the strap 205 may be wrapped around a different appendage of the user, for example, their wrist, calf, chest, or ankle. The swivel lock quick release device 201 has to be as fast as possible and reliable in critical or emergency situations because these situations usually require a fast reaction time. The swivel lock quick release device 201 would be easy to reach and spot in the water because of the larger grip 203. For example, this is even more important in dangerous situations such as turbulent waters, white water, and other situations where visibility is reduced. The grip 203 ensures faster and more reliable release, which in critical situations is important to save the user from injury or death.

FIG. 3A illustrates the perspective view of the swivel lock quick release device locked position, according to an aspect. For example, the grip 303, as shown may have a series of protrusions 312 to allow the user to have a better grasp on the pull release 302. In another example, the grip 303 may be in an ergonomic shape with grooves for the user's fingers. Furthermore, the connection between the tether 304 and the swivel lock quick release device 301 may have a guard 319 to create a stronger connection and provide better durability against wear and tear of repeated use.

Additionally, the combination of the protrusion 312 and pull release 302 allows the user to reuse their strap 305 with any number of variable tethers 304 they have previously connected to their floatation devices, animals, or other sporting equipment. For example, the user may purchase multiple tethers, differentiated by size, length, and composition, with the pull release and attach them to their various equipment while using a single strap 305 with the protrusion 312 to connect to each pull release 302. This allows the user to interchange their equipment and tethers 304 without needing a new strap 305 for each device or a detached locking pin, key, or object. Moreover, it is convenient for the user to not have to buy a set of both a tether 304 and a strap 305 for each sporting tether device they have.

The protrusion 312 may be held into place by a plurality of balls 311. The swivel mechanism 306 of the swivel lock quick release device allows the pull release 302 to rotate around the protrusion 312. The rotation of the pull release 302 around the protrusion 312 prevents the tether to become tangled around the user, the floatation device, or obstacles while in use and allows, when locked, for the tether to be securely fastened without trepidation of accidental or unintentional dislodgement.

Moreover, the grip 303 of the pull release 302 in combination with the spring stiffness allows the user to easily and reliably disengage from their floatation device, animals, or sporting equipment. The spring 310 would have an appropriate stiffness to ensure the spring 310 does not accidently release during sporting activities but would still allow the user's force to disconnect the pull release 302 from the protrusion 312. It should be understood the spring 310 should have the right stiffness such that to not prematurely or accidently release. Additionally, the spring stiffness would still allow the user to disconnect the pull release 302 from the protrusion 312 with one hand. A single hand disconnection is important, for example, because the user may be paddling with the other hand. Furthermore, this disconnection has to be quick and easy because of, for example, the unpredictability of dangerous situations in watersports. It offers the ability for the user to reattach the tether with one hand and without the need to reintroduce an additional disengaged or disconnected locking object, such as a pin, or a key.

Furthermore, the protrusion 312 of the swivel lock quick release device 301 allows the pull release 302 to be locked into place, as described herein. The protrusion 312 would be inserted into the protrusion housing 316, which may be cylindrical, within the pull release 302 as shown. The pull release 302 and the protrusion 312 are locked together by indentations 313 on the protrusion 312 and balls 311. The balls 311 protrude from the pull release 302 and rest inside the protrusion indentation 313. This allows the pull release 302 and the protrusion 312 to be engaged and stay connected when the user desires it. The ball 311, as shown, is held within a ball housing 318, which will be discussed in more detail when referring to FIG. 3B. The ball housing 318 allows the ball to move in and out of the protrusion indentation 313, as depicted by the arrow 321, and ensures the locking device, once closed, is secured on the protrusion.

Additionally, the connection between the tether 304 and the swivel lock quick release device 301 may have a guard 319 to create a stronger connection and provide better durability against wear and tear of repeated use. As shown, the protrusion 312 faces away from the user on the attachment strap 304. This allows the user to attach the pull release device 302 the protrusion 312 whenever necessary.

FIG. 3B illustrates the cross-sectional view of the swivel lock quick release device 301 in a partially locked position, according to an aspect. As shown, the slide handle 302 a is in a second coaxial position, which may allow the balls 311 to move into the ball groove 317. The ball groove 317 may allow the balls 311 to disengage with the pin 312 and allow the pull release 302 to detach from the user, which will be described in more detail when refereeing to FIG. 3C. For example, the swivel lock quick release device 301 may have a hole in the recess 325 used by the protrusion 312 to allow water and particulates to pass through the device 301, which may prevent blockage or hydraulic jamming of the system.

As shown, the spring 310 may be a continuous spring around the pull release 302. In another example, the spring 310 may be multiple smaller springs. Furthermore, the pull release 302 is disconnected by a unidirectional motion, shown by arrow 320. The user may only need to apply force in this direction 320. This allows the user to have a reliable way to disconnect, along with a faster way to disconnect. The coaxial and linear motion of the pull release 302 being disconnected from the protrusion 312 allows for the reliable disconnection during critical times.

Additionally, the ball housing 318, where the balls 311 are contained, may have a small edge (“ball housing edge”) 318 a at the innermost region, preventing the balls 311 from falling inward into the recess 325 used by the protrusion 312. Moreover, for the user to attach to the tether 304, the slide handle 302 a may be pulled back against the spring 310, allowing the balls 311 to move outward radially as the protrusion 312 is inserted. This may allow sufficient room for the protrusion 312 to be inserted to a depth where the balls 311 are then able to radially translate inward as the slide handle 302 a slides over the ball housings 318.

FIG. 3C illustrates the cross-sectional view of the swivel lock quick release device in a partially unlocked position, according to an aspect. As shown, when the swivel lock quick release device 301 is pulled the ball indentation 313 in pull release 302 is aligned with the balls 311. This allows the balls in the ball housing 318 to release the protrusion 312. The spring 310 allows the pull release 302 to compress, which allows the ball groove 317 to be aligned with the balls. Once the springs 310 are compressed and the pull release 302 shifts backwards, as depicted by the arrow 320, the ball 311 moves into the ball groove 317. When the ball 311 moves into the groove, as depicted by the arrow 322, the ball 311 releases the protrusion 312, which allows the pull release 302 and the protrusion 312 to disengage.

As shown, the pull release 302 may have two components, a slide handle 302 a and a locking component 302 b. As described herein, the slide handle 302 a may have a groove 317 to allow the ball 311 to disengage from the protrusion 312. The locking component 302 b may have a recess 325 extending inside the locking component 302 b and the recess 325 may be configured to receive the protrusion 312. The locking component 302 b may also have a housing 318 for the balls 311, the housing 318 may be adapted to allow the balls 311 to engage with the indentation 313 in the protrusion 312, which would create a locked position. Additionally, the balls 311 would be adapted to move between the indentation 313 on the protrusion 312 and the groove 317 to allow the pull release 302 to disengage from the protrusion 312. The pull release 302 would also have a spring 310 disposed between the slide handle 302 a and the locking component 302 b, which would allow the pull release 302 to have a first and second position. The pull release's first position is shown by FIG. 3A and the second position is shown by FIG. 3C. The first position being when the spring is in a normal state and the balls 311 engage with the protrusion 312, while the second position being when the spring 310 is compressed, and the plurality of balls 311 engage with the groove.

Furthermore, the swivel lock quick release device 301 may have a joint 350 where the device attaches to the tether 304. The joint 350 may further allow the device 301 to swivel and rotate when necessary during use.

FIG. 3D illustrates the cross-sectional view of the swivel lock quick release device, in an unlocked position according to an aspect. As described herein, once the user engages the pull release 302, they will be separated from their tether 304, which allows them to maneuver without being attached to their board. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the user may pull on the pull release 302 to disconnect the strap 305 from the tether 304. Being able to disengage from the tether 304 allows the user to avoid dangerous situations. It is common for tethers to become tangled because of their rigid connection points. Also shown in FIG. 3D, the swivel lock quick release device may have a pull release stopper 324 adapted to stop the pull release from extending past the locking component. The pull release stopper 324 prevents the pull release 302 from ejecting and assures the balls 311 are contained within their ball housing 318 to grip the protrusion 312.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the swivel lock quick release device 301 may be engaged and disengaged by the user pulling and pushing on the pull release 302. The swivel lock quick release device 301 may be locked into place with the protrusion 312 engaged with the balls, as shown in FIG. 3A. If the user desires to disengage the tether 304 from the strap 305 they may pull on the pull release 302, which compresses the springs 310 with the spring ledge 314. As shown, the strap 305 may have a hook-and-loop fastener to secure around the user's appendage, although the strap 305 may secure around the user's appendage by other means for example a snap in button.

For example, the indentations 313 may be individual indentations along the upper portion of the protrusion. In another example, the indentation 313 may be a single indentation around the circumference of the protrusion 312. Protrusion support 315 the protrusion may be embedded in a protrusion support 315 as shown. The protrusion support 315 may allow the protrusion 312 to be better supported and may ensure it is durable during activity.

In another example, FIG. 4A illustrates the perspective view of the swivel lock quick release device in a locked position, according to an aspect. While, FIG. 4B illustrates the cross-sectional view of the swivel lock quick release device in a locked position, according to an aspect. FIG. 4B illustrates the cross-section view of the cam lock mechanism within the swivel lock quick release device. A cam 430 on a shaft 432 may perform the same locking and unlocking procedure of the balls as described herein. The cam 430 would engage the protrusion 412 to lock the components together.

The cam 430 on a shaft 432 may perform the same function of holding a stem (“protrusion”) 412 in a housing due to the indentation 413 in the stem 412 being met with a moveable jamming feature of the cam 430, when the slide handle 402 a is release against the pull release stopper 424. The spring wire 431 may attach to the cam and slide handle 402 a to allow the cam to pivot and disengage from the protrusion 412.

FIG. 4C illustrates the cross-sectional view of the swivel lock quick release device in a partially unlocked position, according to an aspect. As shown, the pull release 402 may have two components, a slide handle 402 a and a locking component 402 b. As described herein, the slide handle 402 a may slide into the second position to allow the cam 430 on a shaft 432 to disengage from the protrusion 412. The locking component 402 b may have a recess 425 extending inside the locking component 402 b and the recess 425 may be configured to receive the protrusion 412. The locking component 402 b may also have a housing 418 b for the cam 430, the housing 418 may be adapted to allow the cam 430 to engage with the indentation 413 in the protrusion 412, which would create a locked position. Additionally, the cam 430 would be adapted to move between the indentation 413 on the protrusion 412 and the groove 417 to allow the pull release 402 to disengage from the protrusion 412. The pull release 402 would also have a spring 410 disposed between the slide handle 402 a and the locking component 402 b, which would allow the pull release 402 to have a first and second position. The pull release's first position is shown by FIG. 4B and the second position is shown by FIG. 4C. The first position being when the spring is in a normal state and the cam 430 engage with the protrusion 412, while the second position being when the spring 410 is compressed, and the cam 430 engages with the groove 413.

FIG. 4D illustrates the cross-sectional view of the swivel lock quick release device 401 in an unlocked position, according to an aspect. For example, the shaft 432 may be affixed in the cam housing 418 b by press-fitting or with an adhesive. The cam 430 may be held horizontal with respect to the centerline axis 451 of the locking component 402 b by a piece of spring wire 431. Moreover, the cam 430 may deflect outward without falling radially inward and jamming the protrusion 412 from entering the recess 425 fully. Additionally, the cam 430 may be returned to the horizontal position before and after a protrusion 412 is inserted or removed from the housing because of the support of the spring wire 431. For example, when the cam 430 is engaged with the protrusion 412, tension is developed by the tether and 404 the cam 430, which may rotate outward. The sleeve (“slide handle”) 402 a enclosing the cam 430 may help resist this translation and provide a resistance force, allowing the cam 430 to stay engaged with the protrusion 412.

FIG. 4E illustrates the cross-sectional view of the swivel lock quick release device 401 in a separated, unlocked position, in an unlocked position according to an aspect. In an example, the swivel lock quick release device 401 may be used for sports equipment such as surfing, stand-up paddling, fishing, sailing, hunting, or kite surfing equipment. In another example, the swivel lock quick release device 401 may be used for animal accessories, such as an animal collar or a leash and halter apparatus. As described herein, the user may need to disengage themselves from the tether in situations such as the tide pulling the board down, harsh waters, and other dangerous situations that may occur in bodies of water. Additionally, other sports may need a swivel lock quick release device for similar reasons, such as detaching themselves from their sports equipment during dangerous situations or other situations that the user would desire disengaging the item from the tether.

FIG. 5A illustrates the perspective view of the locking component 502 b with loads applied in the axial direction, according to an aspect. While FIG. 5B illustrates the cross-sectional view of the locking component 502 b with loads applied in the axial direction, according to an aspect. Shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is a von Mises stress test to determine yield strength test, which was performed through Solidworks by applying a 600 lbf load in the axial direction, shown by arrows 560. The test applied loads to the ball housing 518 of the locking component 502 b and 600/3 lbf was applied to each ball housing 518. Additionally, the loads were applied at 0.25″ diameter dimples and 0.003″ indentations and was fixtured at the bonded cable connection point 565, which the joint 350 connects to. It was also assumed the balls used are harder than aluminum. This locking component is also shown and tested at the three-ball configuration. The test resulted in a yield strength of 39,885 psi, which is below the yield strength for 6061-T6 aluminum. This means if 6061-T6 aluminum is used the system will not fail with an 600/3 lbf applied force. As shown, the gradient of grey on the locking component 502 b demonstrates how much stress each portion of the part experiences when a load is applied. For example, the light grey 562 shows that more stress occurs there when a force is applied.

FIG. 6A illustrates the perspective view of the protrusion 612 with loads applied in the axial direction, according to an aspect. While FIG. 6B illustrates the cross-sectional view of the protrusion 612 with loads applied in the axial direction, according to an aspect. Shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is a von Mises stress test to determine yield strength test, which was performed through Solidworks by applying a 600 lbf load in the axial direction, shown by arrows 661. The test applied loads evenly to the conical face of protrusion 612 and the direction of the applied loads was purely axial. Additionally, the loads were applied at 0.25″ dimples of 0.002″ depth and was fixtured at the eye hole 664 of the protrusion 612, which where the protrusion 612 may attach to a strap. This protrusion is also shown and tested at the three-ball configuration. The test resulted in a yield strength of 20,000 psi, which is below the yield strength for 2205 stainless. This means if 2205 is used the system will not fail with a 600 lbf applied force. Furthermore, if a load of 300 lbf is used, the yield strength is below 316 or 304 stainless steel, meaning these materials may also be used for the swivel lock quick release device. As shown, the gradient of grey on the protrusion 612 demonstrates how much stress each portion of the part experiences when a load is applied. For example, the light grey 663 shows that more stress occurs there when a force is applied.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.

Further, as used in this application, “plurality” means two or more. A “set” of items may include one or more of such items. Whether in the written description or the claims, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims.

If present, use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. These terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used in this application, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.

Throughout this description, the aspects, embodiments or examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus or procedures disclosed or claimed. Although some of the examples may involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives.

Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one aspect, embodiment or example are not intended to be excluded from a similar role(s) in other aspects, embodiments or examples.

Aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention may be described as processes, which are usually depicted using a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may depict the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. With regard to flowcharts, it should be understood that additional and fewer steps may be taken, and the steps as shown may be combined or further refined to achieve the described methods.

If means-plus-function limitations are recited in the claims, the means are not intended to be limited to the means disclosed in this application for performing the recited function, but are intended to cover in scope any equivalent means, known now or later developed, for performing the recited function.

Claim limitations should be construed as means-plus-function limitations only if the claim recites the term “means” in association with a recited function.

If any presented, the claims directed to a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Although aspects, embodiments and/or examples have been illustrated and described herein, someone of ordinary skills in the art will easily detect alternate of the same and/or equivalent variations, which may be capable of achieving the same results, and which may be substituted for the aspects, embodiments and/or examples illustrated and described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of this application is intended to cover such alternate aspects, embodiments and/or examples. Hence, the scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents. Further, each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for selectively attaching a user to a sports equipment comprising: a tether adapted to attach to the sports equipment; a strap adapted to attach to a user; a protrusion attached to the strap, the protrusion having an indentation; a pull release attached to the tether, the pull release having: a slide handle having a groove; a plurality of balls adapted to move between the indentation on the protrusion and the groove; a locking component having: a recess extending inside the locking component, the recess being configured to receive the protrusion; a housing for the plurality of balls, the housing being adapted to allow the plurality of balls to engage with the indentation in the protrusion; a spring disposed between the slide handle and the locking component; wherein the pull release has a first position and a second position, the first position being when the spring is in a normal state and the plurality of balls engage with the protrusion, the second position being when the spring is compressed, and the plurality of balls engage with the groove; and wherein the pull release is adapted to rotate around the protrusion.
 2. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 1, wherein the strap is an ankle strap.
 3. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of balls consists of four balls.
 4. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 1, wherein the sports equipment is a surfboard.
 5. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 1, further comprising a tether protector adapted to form a more secure connection between the pull release and the tether.
 6. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 1, wherein the strap has a hook-and-loop fastener.
 7. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 1, wherein the swivel lock quick release device has a pull release stopper adapted to stop the pull release from extending past the locking component.
 8. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 1, wherein the sports equipment is a kite surfing equipment.
 9. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 1, wherein the strap is a wrist strap.
 10. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 1, wherein the tether is adapted to rotate.
 11. A swivel lock quick release device comprising: a protrusion adapted to engage with a pull release, the protrusion having an indentation adapted to hold a plurality of balls; the pull release having: a spring; a slide handle having a groove; the plurality of balls being adapted to move between being engaged with the groove and the protrusions; a locking component, the locking component having: a recess extending inside the locking component, the recess being configured to receive the protrusion when the protrusion slides into the pull release; a plurality of ball housing adapted to allow the plurality of balls to engage with the indentation in the protrusion the spring is disposed between the slide handle and the locking component; wherein the pull release has a first position and a second position, the first position being the spring expanded and the plurality of balls engaged with the protrusion, the second position being the spring compressed and the plurality of balls engaged with the groove.
 12. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of ball housings has a ball housing edge adapted to prevent each of the plurality of balls from falling inward into the recess.
 13. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 11, wherein the slide handle has an exterior textured grip.
 14. A swivel lock quick release device adapted to selectively attach a user to a sports equipment, the device comprising a first connector and a second connector, the first and second connector being adapted to be selectively engaged in a locked position, a portion of the first connector being adapted to be selectively moved in a coaxial direction by the user to disengage the first and second connector.
 15. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 14, wherein the first connector comprises: a spring disposed between a slide handle and a locking component; a cam adapted to move between being engaged and disengaged with a protrusion of the second connector; and a shaft and a spring wire adapted to attach the cam to the locking component, wherein the shaft and spring wire are adapted to allow the cam to pivotally engage and disengage the protrusion.
 16. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 15, wherein the locking component having a recess extending inside the locking component, the recess being configured to receive the protrusion when the protrusion slides into the first connector.
 17. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 15, wherein the first connector has a first position and a second position, the first position being the spring expanded and the cam engaged with the protrusion, the second position being the spring compressed and the cam disengaged with the protrusion.
 18. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 15, wherein the second connector comprises a protrusion having an indentation, the protrusion being adapted to be inserted into the recess of the first connector.
 19. The swivel lock quick release device of claim 15, wherein the first connector has a pull release stopper adapted to stop the pull release from extending past the locking component.
 20. A system for selectively attaching a user to a sports equipment comprising: a tether having a first and second end, the first end being adapted to attach to the sports equipment; a strap adapted to attach to the user; a first connector adapted to attach to the second end of the tether; a second connector adapted to attach to the strap; the first and second connector being adapted to be selectively engaged in a locked position, a portion of the first connector being adapted to be selectively moved in a coaxial direction by the user to disengage the first and second connector. 